The IPL 2025 mega auction, held on Monday, witnessed intense bidding wars and surprising results as franchises reshaped their rosters for the upcoming season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made headlines by signing seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for ₹10.75 crore, while Deepak Chahar made a high-profile move from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to Mumbai Indians (MI) for ₹9.25 crore.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a two-time Purple Cap winner and one of the most consistent bowlers in IPL history, entered the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore. Mumbai Indians initiated the bidding, quickly followed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The contest intensified as LSG raised the bid to ₹10 crore, prompting MI to bow out. Just when it seemed LSG had secured the pacer, RCB swooped in at the last moment, securing Bhuvneshwar for ₹10.75 crore. The addition of Bhuvneshwar strengthens RCB’s bowling attack with an experienced and proven performer.
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Deepak Chahar, known for his impactful new-ball performances, was one of the marquee names in the auction. Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings (PBKS) engaged in a heated bidding war, with PBKS exiting at ₹7.75 crore. CSK made a late entry, raising the bid to ₹8 crore, but MI’s determination paid off as they secured Chahar for ₹9.25 crore, bolstering their pace department significantly.
Tushar Deshpande saw a fierce bidding war between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings. CSK, eager to bring Deshpande back, raised their bid to ₹6.25 crore but eventually lost out to RR, who acquired the pacer for ₹6.50 crore.
Mukesh Kumar, an emerging talent, attracted bids from CSK and PBKS. The contest escalated as PBKS pushed the price to ₹8 crore. However, Delhi Capitals exercised their Right to Match (RTM) option, securing Mukesh for the same amount and ensuring his return to the franchise.
Other Notable Signings
- Gerald Coetzee: The South African pacer was picked up by Gujarat Titans for ₹2.4 crore in a quick and decisive move.
- Akash Deep: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) outbid CSK and PBKS to acquire Akash Deep for ₹8 crore, further bolstering their pace arsenal.
- Lockie Ferguson: After missing out on Akash Deep, PBKS successfully secured New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson for his base price of ₹2 crore.
Afghanistan’s star spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman failed to attract any bids, joining the unsold list alongside wicketkeeper-batters KS Bharat, Alex Carey, and South Africa’s Don Ferreira.
Mumbai Indians acquired South African opener Ryan Rickelton, who has been in fine form, while Punjab Kings added Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis to their squad for ₹2.6 crore.
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